Welcome to your guide for moving to Washington State! Whether you’re drawn to real estate opportunities, top schools, high-paying jobs, or outdoor recreation, this list highlights the 101 best places to live, blending urban hubs, family-friendly suburbs, and rural retreats. Each entry includes reasons to move, key amenities with URLs where available, and vital areas to explore.

Top 30: Urban Hubs, Suburbs, and Standouts

1. Seattle
• Why Move Here: A tech powerhouse with high-paying jobs at Amazon and Microsoft, plus luxury real estate and waterfront properties.
• Amenities: Stroll the Seattle Waterfront or hike Discovery Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for urban living, Queen Anne for stunning views, Capitol Hill for nightlife.
2. Bellevue
• Why Move Here: A family-friendly city with top schools, luxury homes, and a booming tech job market (e.g., T-Mobile).
• Amenities: Relax at Bellevue Downtown Park or shop Bellevue Square.
• Vital Areas: Eastgate for new construction homes, Bridle Trails for nature.
3. Tacoma
• Why Move Here: Offers affordable housing, a vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Mount Rainier for outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Point Defiance Park or Museum of Glass.
• Vital Areas: Proctor District for shopping, North End for family-friendly living.
4. Olympia
• Why Move Here: The state capital with affordable homes, government jobs, and Puget Sound access for natural beauty.
• Amenities: Explore Capitol Lake or Olympia Farmers Market.
• Vital Areas: Westside for quiet, Downtown for culture.
5. Bellingham
• Why Move Here: A coastal gem with outdoor recreation, real estate options, and a lively college town vibe near WWU.
• Amenities: Hike Whatcom Falls Park or visit Fairhaven Historic District.
• Vital Areas: Fairhaven for history, South Hill for views.
6. Spokane
• Why Move Here: Eastern Washington’s hub with low cost of living, healthcare jobs, and family-friendly amenities.
• Amenities: Enjoy Riverfront Park or ski Mt. Spokane.
• Vital Areas: South Hill for schools, Downtown for urban perks.
7. Vancouver
• Why Move Here: Near Portland with affordable living, tech jobs, and outdoor activities along the Columbia River.
• Amenities: Explore Vancouver Waterfront Park or Columbia River Gorge.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for convenience, Hazel Dell for housing.
8. Redmond
• Why Move Here: Microsoft’s home with luxury homes, tech jobs, and top schools.
• Amenities: Bike Marymoor Park or shop Redmond Town Center.
• Vital Areas: Overlake for jobs, Education Hill for families.
9. Kirkland
• Why Move Here: A waterfront community with family-friendly vibes, top schools, and real estate appeal.
• Amenities: Visit Juanita Beach Park or Kirkland Urban.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for dining, Moss Bay for views.
10. Issaquah
• Why Move Here: Foothills living with new homes, outdoor recreation, and top schools.
• Amenities: Hike Tiger Mountain or shop Issaquah Commons.
• Vital Areas: Issaquah Highlands for modern living, Olde Town for charm.
11. Sammamish
• Why Move Here: Known for top schools, luxury homes, and a serene family-friendly atmosphere.
• Amenities: Relax at Sammamish Commons.
• Vital Areas: Klahanie for community, Plateau for space.
12. Bothell
• Why Move Here: Offers affordable real estate, tech jobs, and proximity to Seattle.
• Amenities: Visit Bothell Landing.
• Vital Areas: Canyon Park for business, Downtown for convenience.
13. Mercer Island
• Why Move Here: Exclusive island living with luxury real estate, top schools, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Explore Luther Burbank Park.
• Vital Areas: North End for views, South End for quiet.
14. Edmonds
• Why Move Here: Coastal charm with family-friendly vibes, real estate options, and waterfront living.
• Amenities: Stroll Edmonds Waterfront.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, Westgate for homes.
15. Mill Creek
• Why Move Here: A planned community with new homes, parks, and family-friendly appeal.
• Amenities: Shop Mill Creek Town Center.
• Vital Areas: Eastside for modern living, Central for amenities.
16. Pasco
• Why Move Here: Tri-Cities gem with affordable housing, job markets, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Sacajawea State Park.
• Vital Areas: West Pasco for growth, Downtown for history.
17. Kennewick
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate, jobs in healthcare, and outdoor activities abound.
• Amenities: Relax at Columbia Park.
• Vital Areas: Southridge for new homes, Downtown for culture.
18. Richland
• Why Move Here: Research hub with low cost of living, real estate options, and family-friendly parks.
• Amenities: Enjoy Howard Amon Park.
• Vital Areas: North Richland for jobs, Badger Mountain for views.
19. Walla Walla
• Why Move Here: Wine country with affordable homes, jobs in agriculture, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Stroll Pioneer Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, Eastgate for quiet.
20. Aberdeen
• Why Move Here: Coastal affordability with real estate steals and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Visit Morrison Riverfront Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, Southside for homes.
21. Leavenworth
• Why Move Here: Bavarian charm with real estate appeal, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Ski at Leavenworth Ski Hill.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for festivals, outskirts for peace.
22. Snoqualmie
• Why Move Here: Near ski resorts and waterfalls, with new homes and outdoor living.
• Amenities: See Snoqualmie Falls.
• Vital Areas: Snoqualmie Ridge for modern living, Downtown for history.
23. Wenatchee
• Why Move Here: Apple capital with real estate options, jobs, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Walla Walla Point Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for culture, Olds Station for business.
24. North Bend
• Why Move Here: Gateway to the Cascades with real estate growth and hiking trails.
• Amenities: Hike Mount Si.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, outskirts for nature.
25. Ellensburg
• Why Move Here: Rural beauty with affordable homes, hiking, and jobs at CWU.
• Amenities: Visit Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park.
• Vital Areas: University District for vibrancy, Westside for calm.
26. Everett
• Why Move Here: Industrial charm with real estate options, jobs at Boeing, and urban perks.
• Amenities: Explore Everett Marina.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for growth, North Everett for history.
27. Renton
• Why Move Here: Growing city with affordable homes, tech jobs, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
• Vital Areas: Highlands for families, Downtown for convenience.
28. Kent
• Why Move Here: Diverse and affordable real estate with jobs and family-friendly parks.
• Amenities: Visit Lake Meridian Park.
• Vital Areas: East Hill for homes, Downtown for shopping.
29. Auburn
• Why Move Here: Near Seattle with real estate growth, jobs, and urban amenities.
• Amenities: Shop at Auburn Farmers Market.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for vibrancy, Lakeland for space.
30. Federal Way
• Why Move Here: Offers affordable homes, shopping, and outdoor recreation near parks.
• Amenities: Explore Dash Point State Park.
• Vital Areas: Twin Lakes for families, Downtown for convenience.

31–101: Coastal Retreats, Small Towns, and Emerging Hubs

31. Bainbridge Island
• Why Move Here: A ferry ride from Seattle with luxury waterfront homes, real estate appeal, and top schools.
• Amenities: Wander Bloedel Reserve or shop Winslow Way.
• Vital Areas: Winslow for downtown living, Rolling Bay for quiet.
32. Gig Harbor
• Why Move Here: Picturesque harbor with affordable housing, boating, and family-friendly charm.
• Amenities: Visit Skansie Brothers Park or Harbor History Museum.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for waterfront, Uptown for shopping.
33. Mukilteo
• Why Move Here: Coastal living with real estate options and tech jobs at Boeing.
• Amenities: Relax at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.
• Vital Areas: Harbour Pointe for homes, Old Town for views.
34. Poulsbo
• Why Move Here: "Little Norway" with affordable homes, small-town charm, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Stroll Liberty Bay Waterfront Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for culture, Viking Avenue for convenience.
35. Sequim
• Why Move Here: Retiree-friendly with low rainfall, new homes, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Hike Dungeness Spit.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, Bell Hill for views.
36. Port Angeles
• Why Move Here: Gateway to Olympic National Park with affordable housing and natural beauty.
• Amenities: Visit Hurricane Ridge.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, Westside for peace.
37. Anacortes
• Why Move Here: Boating paradise with waterfront properties, luxury homes, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Explore Washington Park.
• Vital Areas: Old Town for history, Fidalgo Bay for views.
38. Friday Harbor
• Why Move Here: Serene island living with luxury homes and outdoor recreation on San Juan Island.
• Amenities: Visit San Juan Historical Museum.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, Roche Harbor for luxury.
39. Camas
• Why Move Here: Growing suburb with top schools, tech jobs, and family-friendly parks.
• Amenities: Relax at Lacamas Lake Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, Prune Hill for homes.
40. Lynden
• Why Move Here: Dutch-inspired town with affordable homes, farming jobs, and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Visit Lynden City Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for culture, outskirts for space.
41. Pullman
• Why Move Here: WSU’s home with a college town vibe, affordable housing, and job opportunities.
• Amenities: Stroll Lawson Gardens.
• Vital Areas: College Hill for energy, Downtown for shops.
42. Cheney
• Why Move Here: Near Spokane with low cost of living, outdoor recreation, and university jobs.
• Amenities: Explore Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for nature.
43. Moses Lake
• Why Move Here: Desert oasis with affordable housing, water sports, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Enjoy Moses Lake Park.
• Vital Areas: Peninsula for homes, Downtown for convenience.
44. Yakima
• Why Move Here: Wine and agriculture hub with affordable real estate, jobs, and outdoor living.
• Amenities: Visit Yakima Valley Museum.
• Vital Areas: West Valley for space, Downtown for culture.
45. Longview
• Why Move Here: Industrial town with low housing costs, family-friendly parks, and river access.
• Amenities: Relax at Lake Sacajawea Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, West Longview for homes.
46. Kelso
• Why Move Here: Small-town feel with affordable homes and outdoor recreation near Mount St. Helens.
• Amenities: Explore Tam O’Shanter Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for calm.
47. Tumwater
• Why Move Here: Near Olympia with affordable housing, government jobs, and family-friendly parks.
• Amenities: Visit Tumwater Falls Park.
• Vital Areas: Capitol Boulevard for growth, Bush Prairie for quiet.
48. Lacey
• Why Move Here: Growing suburb with new homes, top schools, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Check out Regional Athletic Complex.
• Vital Areas: Hawks Prairie for modern living, Downtown for shops.
49. Lakewood
• Why Move Here: Near Tacoma with affordable living, military jobs, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Enjoy Fort Steilacoom Park.
• Vital Areas: Lakewood Towne Center for convenience, Oakbrook for homes.
50. Shoreline
• Why Move Here: Seattle suburb with good schools, new construction homes, and urban proximity.
• Amenities: Visit Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
• Vital Areas: Richmond Beach for views, Echo Lake for calm.
51. Mountlake Terrace
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate near Seattle with outdoor recreation and suburban charm.
• Amenities: Relax at Terrace Creek Park.
• Vital Areas: Town Center for shops, Cascade View for homes.
52. Woodinville
• Why Move Here: Wine country with luxury homes, tech jobs nearby, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Tour Chateau Ste. Michelle.
• Vital Areas: Hollywood District for wine, Tourist District for fun.
53. Duvall
• Why Move Here: Rural retreat with new homes, top schools, and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Visit McCormick Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for community, outskirts for space.
54. Monroe
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate with outdoor recreation and growth near Everett.
• Amenities: Explore Al Borlin Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, Fryelands for industry.
55. Sultan
• Why Move Here: Small town with low housing costs, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Check out Osprey Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for nature.
56. Granite Falls
• Why Move Here: Rural charm with affordable housing, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Hike Lake Roesiger Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, mountains for adventure.
57. Cashmere
• Why Move Here: Quaint town with apple orchards, affordable homes, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Visit Riverside Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, outskirts for orchards.
58. Chelan
• Why Move Here: Lakeside beauty with vacation homes, water sports, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Lake Chelan State Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for fun, Manson for calm.
59. Entiat
• Why Move Here: Quiet riverside town with affordable housing and outdoor living.
• Amenities: Enjoy Entiat City Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, riverfront for peace.
60. Twisp
• Why Move Here: Artsy mountain town with affordable homes and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Twisp River Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for art, outskirts for nature.
61. Winthrop
• Why Move Here: Western-themed town with affordable homes and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Ski at Methow Valley.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, trails for adventure.
62. Omak
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate in the Okanogan Valley with outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Explore Eastside Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, outskirts for space.
63. Brewster
• Why Move Here: Rural town with affordable housing, orchards, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Columbia Cove Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, riverfront for calm.
64. Tonasket
• Why Move Here: Remote with low-cost housing, outdoor recreation, and rugged charm.
• Amenities: Check out History Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, outskirts for solitude.
65. Republic
• Why Move Here: Mining town with cheap real estate, hiking, and outdoor living.
• Amenities: Explore Curlew Lake State Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, lakeside for peace.
66. Colville
• Why Move Here: Small-town charm with affordable homes, jobs, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Visit Yep Kanum Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for community, outskirts for nature.
67. Kettle Falls
• Why Move Here: Riverside living with low housing costs and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Enjoy Kettle Falls Campground.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, riverfront for calm.
68. Deer Park
• Why Move Here: Rural Spokane suburb with affordable housing and family-friendly appeal.
• Amenities: Relax at Mix Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, outskirts for space.
69. Newport
• Why Move Here: Border town with cheap homes, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Centennial Plaza.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, riverfront for peace.
70. Clarkston
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate near the Snake River with outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Explore Swallows Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, Heights for views.
71. Dayton
• Why Move Here: Historic town with affordable housing, wine country, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Visit Dayton Historic Depot.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, outskirts for calm.
72. Pomeroy
• Why Move Here: Quiet rural town with cheap homes and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Check out Pomeroy City Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for peace.
73. Waitsburg
• Why Move Here: Tiny historic town with low housing costs and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Explore Preston Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, outskirts for quiet.
74. Prosser
• Why Move Here: Wine country with affordable housing, jobs, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Prosser City Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, outskirts for space.
75. Grandview
• Why Move Here: Agricultural hub with low-cost housing and farming jobs.
• Amenities: Enjoy Country Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for fields.
76. Sunnyside
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate in Yakima Valley with family-friendly appeal.
• Amenities: Visit Central Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, outskirts for calm.
77. Toppenish
• Why Move Here: Cultural town with cheap housing, murals, and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Explore Toppenish Murals.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for art, outskirts for peace.
78. Zillah
• Why Move Here: Wine country with affordable homes and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Zillah Lakes Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, vineyards for charm.
79. Selah
• Why Move Here: Near Yakima with affordable real estate, family-friendly parks, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Visit Carlon Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, foothills for views.
80. Cle Elum
• Why Move Here: Mountain town with new homes, skiing, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Ski at The Summit at Snoqualmie.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, Suncadia for luxury.
81. Roslyn
• Why Move Here: Historic charm with affordable housing, hiking, and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Explore Roslyn Museum.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, outskirts for nature.
82. Easton
• Why Move Here: Tiny mountain retreat with cheap real estate and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Enjoy Lake Easton State Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, lakeside for calm.
83. South Cle Elum
• Why Move Here: Quiet neighbor to Cle Elum with low housing costs and rural charm.
• Amenities: Visit South Cle Elum Depot.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, outskirts for peace.
84. Kittitas
• Why Move Here: Small rural town with cheap housing and small-town vibe.
• Amenities: Check out Kittitas Depot.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for space.
85. Vantage
• Why Move Here: Desert retreat with affordable real estate, river access, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Explore Ginkgo Petrified Forest.
• Vital Areas: Riverfront for views, desert for solitude.
86. Mattawa
• Why Move Here: Agricultural town with cheap homes and farming jobs.
• Amenities: Enjoy Wahluke Slope.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, fields for work.
87. Desert Aire
• Why Move Here: Golf community with affordable housing and outdoor recreation near the Columbia River.
• Amenities: Play at Desert Aire Golf Course.
• Vital Areas: Golf course for fun, lakefront for calm.
88. George
• Why Move Here: Quirky small town with cheap real estate and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Visit Gorge Amphitheatre.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, Gorge for events.
89. Quincy
• Why Move Here: Farming hub with affordable homes, tech jobs, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Quincy Valley Historical Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, outskirts for fields.
90. Ephrata
• Why Move Here: Affordable real estate with family-friendly appeal and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Visit Oasis Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, outskirts for calm.
91. Soap Lake
• Why Move Here: Healing mineral lake with cheap housing and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Soap Lake.
• Vital Areas: Lakeside for views, Downtown for basics.
92. Coulee City
• Why Move Here: Near Grand Coulee Dam with low housing costs and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: Enjoy Banks Lake.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for history, lakeside for fun.
93. Electric City
• Why Move Here: Quiet town with affordable real estate and outdoor recreation near the dam.
• Amenities: Visit Steamboat Rock State Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, park for adventure.
94. Grand Coulee
• Why Move Here: Historic dam town with cheap housing and outdoor activities.
• Amenities: See Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center.
• Vital Areas: Dam area for history, outskirts for calm.
95. Coulee Dam
• Why Move Here: Small town with low-cost homes, history, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Explore Coulee Dam Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, riverfront for peace.
96. Wilbur
• Why Move Here: Rural retreat with cheap real estate and small-town charm.
• Amenities: Visit Wilbur City Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for space.
97. Davenport
• Why Move Here: County seat with affordable housing, farming jobs, and rural living.
• Amenities: Relax at Davenport City Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for shops, outskirts for fields.
98. Reardan
• Why Move Here: Tiny town with cheap homes and small-town vibe near Spokane.
• Amenities: Enjoy Reardan Community Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for basics, outskirts for calm.
99. Medical Lake
• Why Move Here: Lakeside Spokane suburb with affordable real estate, family-friendly parks, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Visit Waterfront Park.
• Vital Areas: Lakeside for views, Downtown for shops.
100. Airway Heights

• Why Move Here: Near Spokane with new homes, casino jobs, and affordable living.
• Amenities: Check out Northern Quest Casino.
• Vital Areas: Casino area for fun, West Plains for homes.

101. Liberty Lake

• Why Move Here: Growing community with luxury homes, top schools, and outdoor recreation.
• Amenities: Relax at Liberty Lake Regional Park.
• Vital Areas: Downtown for charm, lakeside for views.

Final Tips for Moving to Washington State

• Real Estate: Explore housing prices on Redfin or Zillow.
• Jobs: Find tech and healthcare opportunities on Indeed.
• Schools: Check ratings on Niche.
• Outdoor Recreation: Plan adventures with Washington State Parks.

Washington State offers everything from luxury waterfront properties to affordable rural homes, with top schools, job markets, and natural beauty aplenty. Ready to pick your spot? Let me know if you need more details!